Dr. Marsha Horton Named Interim Dean of College of Ed, Health & PP

Posted: July 18, 2013

In the wake of the resignation of Dr. Frederick Asinor, DSU President Harry L. Williams has appointed Dr. Marshà T. Horton as the interim dean of the University’s College of Education, Health and Public Policy.

The new interim dean will begin in that post effective Aug. 19.

Dr. Williams said one of the University’s immediate priorities has been to ensure that the College has the top leadership it needs for the fall to guide its excellent degree programs for its students.

“Dr. Horton, a former dean, comes to DSU with years of proven educational leadership experience and success,” Dr. Williams said. “We are fortunate to have her join our dedicated faculty at this time.”

Dr. Horton most recently served one year as a dean and associate professor at Virginia Union University’s School of Education, Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies. She previously was the regional chair of Wilmington University’s Clinical Studies from 2005-2012 as well as an associate professor at that institution. Prior to that, from 1999-2005 she served in a number of consultant and part-time teaching posts, including as an adjunct professor in DSU’s Education Department from 1999-2002.

From 1993-1999, Dr. Horton was the associate secretary of Assessment and Accountability for the Delaware Department of Education, in which she coordinated the redesign and implementation of the statewide student assessment system. Her 39-year education career also includes her service as an education specialist and director of the Office of Authentic Assessment in the South Carolina Department of Education (1987-1992) as well as a number of college and public school teaching posts.

Dr. Horton has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) from Sweet Briar College in Virginia, and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Illinois. She has also studied graduate-level developmental psychology at Cornell University.

Dr. Williams said prior to this interim appointment, the DSU leadership immediately began a review of its background check processes.

“Upon Dr. Asinor’s resignation, we began a thorough internal process review of all hiring policies and procedures. The University has also initiated an audit of the budget and financial transactions from July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013, the period of Dr. Asinor’s tenure,” the DSU president said. “The findings of these reviews will be shared with the University’s Board of Trustees.

“Secondly, I wanted an interim dean appointed as soon as possible because the continuity of our academic programs is so critically important,” Dr. Williams added. “That is what we have accomplished today.”